I could tell you how chewing your food improves your IBS symptoms, or how you could lose weight if you stopped watching TV or your iPhone during meals. Instead, I would like to share with you my top 5 tips on how to eat mindfully so you can enjoy food, have plenty of it and live in peace with yourself.

1. Take the time to eat

I visited Paris recently and noticed a habit that I lost touch with after living in NYC and London. Busy Parisians were taking the time to have lunch in cafés, restaurants and brasseries, enjoying not only their food but also their friends and colleagues. Sharing a meal with others might not be the best way to focus on chewing your food or monitoring what you eat, but it is a great way to nourish your soul on a deeper level.

2. Enjoy cooking

This summer I rediscovered the pleasure of cooking. Having the time to cook and “écosser” (shell) my green peas felt like a luxury. What had previously felt like a chore became more like a daily meditation. Each day brought new joy; going to the market, checking out the fresh vegetables, talking to the producers, discovering that the greengage season was just around the corner, discovering new flavours and sharing meals with family and friends.

3. Slow down

Have you noticed how your eating habits change when you are stressed? Not only does stress effect what we eat, it also effects how we eat. To digest properly requires lowering the adrenaline and cortisol produced when you are in a state of physiological or mental stress. If you can switch to a more restful state your nervous system literally goes from a state of “fight or flight” to a state of “rest and digest”. You can do this in many ways: enjoy a walk in nature, read a book, meditate or focus on your breathing. My personal favourite is Yoga. Through my Yoga and mindfulness practice I have learned how to focus on the moment. When we slow down our thoughts we can truly connect with nourishing our bodies.

4. Respect your nature

Our world is moving so fast and we are not genetically disposed to be productive 24 hours a day. In the past 50 years modernisation has sped up the intensity of our lives while our minds and bodies haven’t yet caught up. If you respect your natural circadian rhythm, not only will your eating habits improve, but also your sleep and productivity. It can be hard to slow down, so start by introducing some technology free time each evening and use mealtimes as your daily mindful practice.

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5. Live guilt free

Although you might argue that guilt is a form of “necessary” conscience, it is also one of the biggest barriers we encounter within ourselves. I used to feel constantly guilty for not being at the top of my game, for eating junk food, feeling tired or depressed. Acknowledge your feelings or emotions, whether it is guilt or joy and move on. Be kind to yourself and accept the way you feel today even if you find it deeply frustrating. By being kind and compassionate we learn to love ourselves and that leads to taking better care of our bodies.

If you would like more tips on eating mindfully or if emotional eating gets in your way, book a complimentary 30-minute call with me so we can speak about your concerns and goals. I will share my best ways to support you.

Stéphanie Achar:

SIMPLE + HEALTHY

stephanie@simpleandhealthy.com

Stéphanie Achar is a registered nutritional therapist and health coach. To find out more about how a nutrition & lifestyle programme can help, email or visit her website to book a free call with Stéphanie. http://www.simpleandhealthy.com

We are delighted to introduce you to our upcoming 21 Day Yoga Challenge.

In this fast paced world it’s hard to find the time or discipline to connect with our inner selves. A 21 day practice gives you the space to find yourself again, bringing positive, healthy energy into all areas of your life.

Open yourself to the possibility of transformation in your life, your mind and your body.

Each day brings a new opportunity for growth. Learn how to embrace it, and use your practice to reflect on all aspects of yourself. Change is happening all around us, but sometimes instead of embracing the possibilities, we retreat in fear. Pay attention to what comes up in your practice, and you’ll notice yourself becoming more balanced, aware and empowered.

“Just show up, as you are. You don’t have to look or feel great. You don’t have to be prepared for each challenge or know all the hows of every situation. You don’t have to be fearless, or have all the answers, or be 100% ready.

Nobody is any of these things. Nobody ever was. It’s not about being perfect at all. You just have to show up, as you are, despite all the objections and insecurities of your mind, despite each and every fear that threatens to hold you back, despite the limitations and criticisms other will place on you.

The hell with it all. This is your life, your journey, your adventure, and all it’s asking of you is to show for it, as you are. That’s enough. That’s more than enough. That’s everything.” Scott Stabile

Who is it for?

Our 21 Day Challenge is for everyone. Go at your own pace and practice loving kindness towards yourself. Remember we are all different, some of us find some poses easy that others find hard. Learn how to listen to your body. When frustration speaks louder than your intentions, how do you respond? Each practice is an exploration, enjoy the journey.

What to expect

We invite you to bring something a little deeper to your yoga practice. Challenge yourself to look at habits and thought patterns both on and off the mat. Try a new class or teacher, practice a posture that scares you. When you learn to embrace change, what once seemed like an obstacle can become a gift.

“Continuity gives us roots; change gives us branches, letting us stretch and grow and reach new heights.” Pauline R. Kezer

Explore ~ What brings you joy and what scares you? Do you draw back from change in fear or do you embrace it? Allow yourself the time to for self enquiry and be curious. Explore new possibilities and discard what no longer serves you.

Transform ~ By “turning the soil of our own lives” we get to discover what we forgot we had, as well as observe where we need more growth. If you are willing to look inside, you can reconnect with what matters most to you. Change brings opportunity, be courageous and take a risk.

Grow ~ Going inward can be challenging, but it is the only way we can positively change both ourselves and the world around us. Nourish yourself spiritually, engage your mind and body. Through your energy and focus we believe the Challenge will lead you to the best version of you.

*£95 Challenge Pass valid from 7th – 28th November 2018
*Available to everyone.
*If participants already have an hourly or monthly unlimited pass we will put it on hold during the challenge.
*Yearly unlimited pass & Autopay members can also join the challenge using their pass.

Transitions in yoga, and life, can be challenging. When we learn to transition with grace, control and precision in our physical practice it affects our life off the mat, bringing more confidence into our lives.

On the mat we note our progress as we master new asanas, but often don’t take the time to focus on the fluidity as we release from one pose and prepare for the next. Graceful and controlled transitions in harmony with the breath are just as beautiful as the final pose.

How we treat transitions is reflective of how we move through life. Is it just a means to an end or do we approach the movement with as much enthusiasm as the postures? Consider how you view both the journey and the goal. Try to find joy in the process.

We’ve put together some tips on making your transitions more smooth and mindful. Next time you practice, pay attention to how you move from pose to pose. When we refine our transitional movements, we learn to fluidly move through challenges with grace and ease.

Slow it down

By slowing down the transitions you can tune into the nuances involved. Bring your attention to which muscles have to engage to maintain your balance. Notice the spaces in between your inhales and exhales. Yoga transitions are a perfect opportunity to connect more deeply with our bodies and stay in tune with the moment.

Balance / Weight

Focus on the movement of your weight, it’s the secret to making smooth yoga transitions. It will help you counterbalance your body and flow from a place of control. The aim is to limit the weight of your body from moving too quickly in any one direction. Don’t forget your core, it’s the most effective way to tune into your weight as it is transitioning.

Listen to your body

If you feel resistance during a transition ask yourself if it is fear based or intuitive. Let go of fear and release anything you know in your heart does not serve you in the moment. Intuition will sound when you are headed somewhere your body is not ready to be. Practice loving kindness. Ahimsa in yoga means non-violence. Remember to practice this with yourself.

Enjoy the journey

One of the challenges with working on transitions is that the posture you’re moving into can be undermined. Remember each posture, each flow, each transition can have its own individual resonance. So don’t rush, take your time and ground. Stabilize and maintain the pose that you’re transitioning into. Truly honour your personal path, it is after all a yoga practice.

Inhale / Exhale

Transitions can often cause us to stop breathing (on and off the mat). However, when practiced mindfully your breath becomes the heartbeat of your practice. It’s hard to take a deep inhalation when your body is tense and so most transitions are done on the exhalation. Take the opportunity for a good, long, slow exhalation. Bringing this attention to the breath helps you stay mindful as you move.

Sophia Butler Cowdry is holding a workshop at PYC on 17th October that will focus on transitional movement. With her careful guidance and attention to detail, you’ll learn how improving control and precision, as you move into and between asanas, can radically change the quality of your practice. You can book the workshop here.

In a world where stress seems to rule our lives and we feel like we have no control over the direction we are going in, it’s time to wake up to the power of breath. Breathing techniques are now being embraced by people across the world for their infinite benefits and I’m delighted to be holding a workshop at PYC with ‘the breath guy’ Richie Bostock.

In sanskrit the yogic breathing practice of pranayama is translated as “extension of the life-force” stemming from the belief that we are born with only so many breaths, so the slower, longer we can learn to breathe, the longer we will in turn live.

Way back when, our breath served as a stress response for fight or flight situations. Our secondary breathing muscles kick in during fight or flight as we start to breathe faster, creating increased glucose in the blood for more energy to react. These are automatic body responses that we have no control over. We can, however, control our breath – which influences these automatic body responses. When we slow down our breathing we stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, calming the body and mind into a state of rest and digest.

Ironically, in this day and age of relative security, we live in a state of perpetual stress – worrying about our careers, about money, about relationships, you name it. We suffer from chronic anxiety that often translates into chronic physical pain as our high adrenaline and cortisone levels lead to illness and disease. There’s never been a more important time for us to learn how to breathe.

With a quieter mind we are able to think more clearly and make the right choices for our own wellbeing. After all: “Breathing and thinking are the two most important processes, one for sustaining life and other for giving it a purpose.” – Tasneem Hameed

One of the easiest ways to quieten the mind is to shift your focus to your breathing. So what breathing exercises does Richie recommend? “Breathing day to day should consist of four things: low (deep), slow (drag exhale out longer), through the nose (as it filters the air), and let go (do not use any energy to exhale).”

Join Mariel and Richie on 27th October for an afternoon of yoga and breath. Stretch, open and expand your body with a mindful, energetic and fun vinyasa flow led by Mariel, followed by 45 minutes of transformative breathing experience with Richie that will leave you feeling totally blissed out. You can book here.

In a world where stress seems to rule our lives and we feel like we have no control over the direction we are going in, it’s time to wake up to the power of breath. Breathing techniques are now being embraced by people across the world for their infinite benefits and I’m delighted to be holding a workshop at PYC with ‘the breath guy’ Richie Bostock.

In sanskrit the yogic breathing practice of pranayama is translated as “extension of the life-force” stemming from the belief that we are born with only so many breaths, so the slower, longer we can learn to breathe, the longer we will in turn live.

Way back when, our breath served as a stress response for fight or flight situations. Our secondary breathing muscles kick in during fight or flight as we start to breathe faster, creating increased glucose in the blood for more energy to react. These are automatic body responses that we have no control over. We can, however, control our breath – which influences these automatic body responses. When we slow down our breathing we stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, calming the body and mind into a state of rest and digest.

Ironically, in this day and age of relative security, we live in a state of perpetual stress – worrying about our careers, about money, about relationships, you name it. We suffer from chronic anxiety that often translates into chronic physical pain as our high adrenaline and cortisone levels lead to illness and disease. There’s never been a more important time for us to learn how to breathe.

With a quieter mind we are able to think more clearly and make the right choices for our own wellbeing. After all: “Breathing and thinking are the two most important processes, one for sustaining life and other for giving it a purpose.” – Tasneem Hameed

One of the easiest ways to quieten the mind is to shift your focus to your breathing. So what breathing exercises does Richie recommend? “Breathing day to day should consist of four things: low (deep), slow (drag exhale out longer), through the nose (as it filters the air), and let go (do not use any energy to exhale).”

Join Mariel and Richie on 27th October for an afternoon of yoga and breath. Stretch, open and expand your body with a mindful, energetic and fun vinyasa flow led by Mariel, followed by 45 minutes of transformative breathing experience with Richie that will leave you feeling totally blissed out. You can book here.

There are pivotal moments in life when we most need perspective. The space to connect to our intuition and gain clarity on our direction through this life.

And so it was that I found myself spending last Christmas in India on a 15 day silent meditation retreat. I was apprehensive but as they explained: “The silence allows one to sink into a deeply peaceful state of mind.”

The focus of the retreat was to study the last three limbs of Yoga- Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi, according to Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.

Approximately 2,000 years ago, Patanjali outlined a path intended to help us awaken understanding and insight while also growing inner strength and resolve.

One of the most transformative things I learnt was the power of breath and it’s importance in our yoga practice – meaning the 8 limbed science and not just the asana. I had travelled to India to find peace, only to discover that it can be found in every breath – it just takes some practice…

We are used to observing the breath as a point of focus in class or to connect the body and mind. However, when we observe the breath with the wisdom eye (the inner awareness), the behaviour of the air particles change in a way that purifies them and by extension our body. The scientific basis of this phenomenon comes from Quantum Physics and the revolutionary discovery that particles have the capacity to display different types of behaviours at the same time.

A simple analogy will help to illustrate this point…

Imagine a school class full of children; when the teacher is there, the children are well-behaved and when the teacher is not there, the children behave chaotically.

Observing the breath has the same impact on the air particles’ behavior as the teacher has on the children. When we observe our breath, the air particles behave in an ordered or “well-behaved” manner; and when we do not observe it, the particles behave in a random or chaotic fashion.

This fundamental difference in the air inhaled while observing our breath also impacts our body at a cellular level. When this purified air reaches the 720 trillions of cells of our body they respond by dumping all the physiological and emotional rubbish that gets stored in them over time.

The purification of the body and mind that follows this meditation technique paves the way to achieve further stages to Samadhi. If you want to explore this further, Patanjali’s Yoga Dharsana and the Buddha’s Abhidhamma are all about the science of internal observation.

This knowledge has shifted the way I understand and practice yoga. Now, meditation is the central component of my yoga practice and observation of the breath has gained a new meaning in my asana work.

I hope sharing this learning also shifts your understanding of this important component of yoga. If you have any questions about this article, either you like it or you would like to read more about the science of internal observation, let me know! silvialoher@gmail.com

I doubt that there are many people who have escaped the hype around “mindfulness”, “meditation” and “mental wellbeing” the past year. But unlike other momentary buzzwords and questionable detoxes, these ideas are not just passing fashionable trends. In fact, they are based upon practices which are thousands of years old.

The benefits of meditation are no secret and can positively affect every part of your being: mind, body and soul. A regular practice can have real, physical impact such as changing brain composition, reducing inflammation and relieving bodily pain. Studies have also shown that meditation can significantly help with emotional regulation, reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression and sleep problems. On a deeper, more spiritual level, the practice of meditation encourages us to cultivate a kind and compassionate attitude towards our thoughts and body, allowing us to show ourselves to the world exactly as we are. It connects us to our inner divine wisdom and purpose.

Today the word meditation has many different meanings and connotations and as such the idea has become rather nebulous and confusing. But fundamentally, the essence of meditation is awareness. In its simplest form this is done by observing our breath, but it may be our body, an object, or a sound. When we are in this state of awareness, we are able to detach from for our thoughts and problems allowing us leading healthier and happier lives. The truth is, there is no correct way to meditate and so it is important to find the approach that works best for you. It is a personal practice which will continually evolve and challenge you on your journey through life.

When I first began my meditation practice, I used to get so frustrated by the fact that I could not seem to empty my mind of thoughts and achieve this peaceful state of ‘Zen’ I so badly desired. But meditation is not about stopping thoughts or clearing the mind. It is about learning to let go of attachment and judgement by simply observing what we experience, moment by moment. Your mind will naturally wander, so when it does just notice that it has drifted, and bring it back your point of awareness. Acknowledge whatever thoughts or emotions arise and allow it to be. The first few times you practice you may feel like you are constantly being pulled by your thoughts, but by showing up and committing to your practice you will notice that the gap between each thought lengthens and begin to really feel those moments of pure stillness.

But most of all enjoy your practice. And don’t be discouraged by what you perceive as a negative experience. Our minds are like a muscle which needs training. So be gentle with yourself and stick with it even when it feels like a challenge because trust me, the benefits are totally worth it!

5 minute meditation

If you’ve never tried meditation before, here is a really lovely and simple practice to follow. I’d recommend setting a timer for 3-5 minutes if this is your first time, but feel free to adjust this accordingly:

Set yourself up in a peaceful and comfortable environmentCreate a space that feels like bliss where you know you won’t be disturbed for your practice. This offers you the peace of mind to fully surrender into your meditations without a fear of being interrupted. If you don’t have a whole room to dedicate to this then find a nice corner of a room. Keep the room tidy with only a few serenity inviting items like a pillow, rug and lamp. Use candles, incense or a diffuser and add a touch of nature to infuse balance and harmony. Let this place be your safe sanctuary whereby just walking past soothes your mind.

Find a comfortable positionYou may want to sit on a cushion, bolster or block or you may prefer to be seated on a chair with your arms and legs uncrossed. Either way, engage your stomach muscles and keep your back upright, but not too tight. Allow your shoulders to slide down your back and feel the crown of your head reaching to the sky. Be comfortable in your position.

Relax your bodyBring gentle awareness to how your body feels in this moment. Noticing any areas of tension, aches, pains or discomfort. Release and let go of any areas of tightness and tension. Continue to relax your body as you feel the sensations of warmth and heaviness spread across your body. Relax.

Tune into your breathBring your awareness to the natural flow of your breath. The breath in, and out. There’s no need to do anything or change anything, simply observe your own rhythm of breath. Notice where into your body you are breathing. Is it your chest? Or abdomen? Is your breath slow or fast? Deep or short? Do you hold onto your breath at any moment? Bring your awareness to all the sensations of your breath. Feel your breath in and out through your nose. Follow the air in through your nose, down the nasal passage and back of the throat. Can you notice the moment the air first touches your lungs. Become aware of the rise and fall of your chest of belly. Sense where one breath ends, and another begins. The inhale. The exhale. The pauses. The breath as a whole. Be really curious about your breathing.

Be kind and compassionateIt is only natural for your mind to wander. It may drift to things you have to do, or might have done. Or it may begin to judge your current experience. Wherever you find your mind going, simply acknowledge it, and bring it back to your breath. Remain the passive observer of your thoughts and emotions, watching them come and go like clouds in the sky.

Continue for your set amount of timeKeep your attention on your breath, bringing your awareness back to the breath each time you notice that your mind has wandered.

Reawaken the bodyOnce your time is up, bring your awareness back to your body. Slowly and mindfully reawaken the body by wriggling some fingers and toes. Move your head from side to side and take a deep body stretch. Expand your awareness to the room around you and gently open your eyes.

Show gratitude towards yourselfPause for a few moments taking in the experience of the practice and what may have come up for you. Take the time to smile and offer yourself some gratitude for showing up to practice and nurture your mind, body and soul.

Eight years ago, long hours of studying for a PhD was causing me mental and physical stress. I started looking for a way of dealing with this and took my first yoga class. Immediately something lit up inside me. I had been practicing karate for 20 years, now not having to strain myself or fight someone to ‘workout’ was a revelation. The yoga teacher’s words: “practice from compassion”, “cultivate love to yourself” and “stay within your limits” really meant something new and special.

Both Martial Arts and yoga work with drishti and connection to the mind, and that’s what drew me to these practices – the cultivation of concentration, precision and strength. At the time I wasn’t even aware of the spiritual goal and benefits of yoga which today are so important to me!

The next step…

After years on the mat I had more and more questions that I needed guidance with. I craved more information on all aspects of the discipline: the body-mind connection, health benefits, the spiritual path…you name it.

I decided to undertake the Teacher Training when I needed a break from my work and hoped to have a transformative experience that would give me an insight on the next steps in my life.

PYC is my local studio. I’ve practiced here for years and it feels like home to me – I feel safe and cared for. But London has so much to offer, I owed it to myself to research other yoga teaching training. I tried several introductory weekends, but nothing else offered the standard I expected for such an investment of time and money. The PYC training offered the right balance of teachers’ quality & experience, curriculum and time frame. My decision was made!

Like many others on the course, my primary intention was to deepen my practice, not to become a teacher. But now, not even two months later, I am running my first seven-week yoga course. Yoga helps you find your own path, your dharma.

What doesn’t challenge you, doesn’t change you.

The training gave me so much more than I had expected. Days were long and intense, but from Day 1 we were applying what we learnt. That was invaluable in helping us build confidence and integrate theory and practice. The schedule was a good balance of subjects and practice, and the teachers were an incredible source of knowledge.

For me the most important qualities a teacher can have are: passion, compassion, discipline, an open heart and an open mind, devotion, inspiration and support. Every teacher had these in abundance.

The part I enjoyed most was supporting my fellow students as they evolved their practice. Now supporting others entering the yoga journey is what moves me to keep teaching and is behind my first collaborative yoga-teaching project.

Am I a yoga teacher?

I’m definitely on the way! Marie-Laure, one of the PYC founders and coordinator of the teacher training course, guided me towards a transformative insight after the course. I know now that my goal is not to teach yoga but to learn from teaching and keep sharing what I have learnt. For me, learning is where my soul belongs. Thanks again to my angels, Marie-Laure and Amelie!

This is just the beginning…

I am a busy bee flying after knowledge – the pollen of life – to produce the honey of life: personal growth! So many things resonate within me to achieve this: science, yoga, clowning, painting, writing, traveling and, most delightfully, being a mum!

So if you see me around, come and say hello or drop me an email with your personal views at silvialoher@gmail.com

Born and raised in Bergan, Norway, Fredrik has always been passionate about health and well-being. He is a trained firefighter and personal trainer, and completed our 200hr teacher training this year.

Fredrik recognised through yoga that change starts from the inside and out. With a strong focus on the breath and a love of inversions, you’ll leave his class feeling grounded and more confident on and off the mat. We caught up with him at the studio.

How did you get into yoga?

Two or three years ago a good friend of mine dragged me into his yoga class to show me that it wasn’t just all wishy washy. In an instant I fell in love with it and started to come to every class I could.

I started doing 30 days for £30 at every studio that offered it near to where I lived and it set me up with a daily practice for months.

I quickly started to see huge improvements both in my physical and mental health. The revelations kept on coming – I realised that I’d prioritised others over myself and not listened to my needs in a very long time… I saw a lot of changes in my life in general.

What made you want to become a yoga teacher?

I’d been working as a personal trainer for some time and loved seeing my clients progress and make positive changes in their lives, I believed becoming a yoga teacher would enable me to help more people.

As I said, I totally fell in love with Yoga. I was also fortunate to be part of a very nice community at Collaborative Yoga, which was a charity project. They asked me to become part of their teacher team and started letting me assist and shadow their classes.

How did teacher training change you?

Teacher training definitely made me more flexible, in mind and body! It also opened my eyes to how yoga can be accessible to any person, no matter age or physical limitations. I began to consider how my yoga practice would change as I grow older. We all want to be practicing when we are 110 and there’s no reason why we shouldn’t.

What do you think makes a good teacher?

An inquisitive mind and a compassionate nature. Someone who does a lot of self practice and gets experience through their own practice. What I’ve learned from going to a lot of different classes and teachers is that you have to teach what rings true to you. Use your own experiences on and off the mat and find your own way.

Of all the benefits Yoga has to offer, which of them has had the greatest impact on your life?

I find in this busy London life Yoga really has a tremendous effect on my mental health. My practice calms me down, making me more focused and clear.

What’s your favourite pose and why?

Pincha Mayurasana! I love the feeling of strength and stability that I get in this posture, it’s my favourite way to enjoy the benefits of being upside down.

When you’re not teaching, where are we most likely to find you?

At a climbing wall or a taco place!

Favourite track to practice to?

Tash Sultana – Notion. Anything by Tash Sultana!

Any advice for those interested in the teacher training?

My number one tip for anyone embarking on teacher training: don’t be afraid to fail and mess up. That’s the place you can do it and should do it, so you get over the fear of teaching others. Fail, fail, fail and then in the end you’ll be teaching something you know and have experienced.

When you take a break from yoga, coming back can be a challenge. Today at The Power Yoga Company, we’re musing on what inspires estranged yogis to return to practice. In many cases, students don’t stop practicing because they wanted to stop practicing, but because practice got sidelined by something else.

Perhaps you went on holiday, got ill, had a big deadline at work or had a baby. Perhaps you feel too busy or too stressed to make it to class.

For many of our wonderful students, our studio at The Power Yoga Company is a sanctuary. It is the place where we come to focus inwards, away from hectic London life. As a yogi, if you feel too stressed to come to yoga, yoga is probably what you need.

That first class back can be tough and will take courage. Your body could feel stiffer, or weaker. You might not be able to get into poses you could before. Your mind could be unsettled. Perhaps you even feel a bit self-conscious.

Our teachers know that feeling; they can support you through this period. Talk to your teacher at the start of the class: they will be able to guide you through variations of poses to suit your needs. When coming back to yoga after a break, you might like to come along to a Level 1 class (we run 3 to 4 of them every day). It will be a more gentle flow, with lots of postural refinements. It is a non-judgemental and supportive space to re-familiarise yourself with the practice.

If you’re stressed or anxious, you might find that your body feels stiff. That is natural: stress activates your primal “fight or flight” reaction and your muscles contract. You can’t expect the tension to release from your muscles immediately but you can start the process by calming the mind and stretching into your stiffness.

It is important to accept that the benefits of yoga come with regular practice. There’s no fast-track back into it, neither is it possible that you might have “lost it”. In the timeless words of K. Pattabhi Jois, “practice and all is coming”.

Let go of the excuses, the self-consciousness and the mind chatter. Turn up on the mat, close your eyes and breathe. We look forward to seeing you back in class.